Articles

The question of how to beat an assault charge is one that lawyers answer almost daily. This is unsurprising given being charged with assault can have a devastating effect on yourself, your career and your ability to travel overseas. If you are found guilty of assault, you can receive a criminal conviction and even imprisonment […]

The law on gel blasters in NSW and wider Australia has been subject to much controversy in recent years. Many gel blasters look similar to real firearms, although they shoot small water-based pellets. They are due to be outlawed in Victoria, after a number of the recreational items were allegedly used during the commission of […]

When a person is served with an apprehended violence order for the first time, they will often ask, what is the difference between an AVO and ADVO? This is a reference to an apprehended violence orders (AVO) and an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO). While both are orders which restrain specific behaviour there are some […]

The question of how to get drug charges dropped is one that criminal defence lawyers deal with on a regular basis. A specialist drug lawyer will be able to examine your case and advise whether police have not followed any required procedures. They will also be able to determine whether there are any technical defences […]

A witness in the Ben Roberts-Smith defamation trial has pleaded guilty to the offence of hindering or obstructing a commonwealth public official. While magistrate Miranda Moody found he acted “like a drunken fool”, she ultimately chose not to record a conviction against him. The witness cannot be named for legal reasons. What is Hindering or […]

To the average layperson, a common question they may ask is, can police ask for ID in NSW? While police have a significant number of powers to compel citizens to provide information, this is not unlimited. For the most part, these powers are contained in legislation which make them easily accessible. The following information will […]

Nick Kyrgios has avoided a criminal conviction being recorded against him, despite pleading guilty to assault his ex-girlfriend Chiara Passari in Australia. The 27-year-old tennis star initially planned to have the common assault charge dismissed pursuant to a section 334 mental health application in the ACT Magistrates Court. However, that application was withdrawn when a […]

Following the withdrawal of all charges against Bruce Lehrmann, the question of how to get sexual assault charges dropped has been the subject of much conjecture. The repercussions for anyone found guilty of a sexual assault offence are devastating to both their reputation and livelihood. Indeed, Mr Lehrmann suffered significant damage to his reputation despite […]

In today’s climate, many people are concerned about being the victim of a crime and may wish to carry or use pepper spray for this purpose. However, does the law allow this in Australia? The answer to that question is complex and depends on which state you are in. There are also regulations that must […]

The Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins trial that gripped the nation is approaching an end with the jury now deliberating their decision. Lehrmann has pleaded not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent. The trial heard from both parties as well as several prominent witnesses. There was lengthy cross-examination with revelations of inconsistencies in the evidence […]